Feeding A Rescue Pet

Have you recently adopted a rescue pet? Good for you! It can take time for animals to adjust into their new homes, and to really feel safe there. One thing you’ll have to navigate during this transition is your pet’s dietary needs. A Plano, IL vet offers some advice on that in this article.

Make Changes Slowly

Rapid dietary changes can upset your furry friend’s stomach. If you know what your new pet has been eating, start out with that same brand. Talk to your vet before making any adjustments. If you are advised to switch brands, make the switch to the new products slowly, over the course of several days. 

Talk To Your Vet

Animals’ diets are definitely not one-size-fits-all. A Chihuahua puppy, a senior German Shepherd, and a pregnant Poodle are all going to have different nutritional needs. Breed, age, size, and health all play roles here. As soon as you can, bring your furry buddy to the vet, and get him a thorough exam. This will be a great time to get some specific recommendations.

Don’t Skimp On Treats

Normally, we advise against going overboard with treats. However, food can go a long way towards helping a rescued pet feel safe, secure, and loved. It’s also important for bonding. It’s fine to spoil your furry friend a little that first week. Just use smaller snacks, so you don’t overfeed them.

Consider Doggy DNA

As mentioned above, breed plays a role in your pet’s nutritional needs. If you’ve adopted a mutt, it may be in your best interests to get Fido’s DNA tested, so you can find out what breeds are in his family tree. This can definitely be helpful when it comes to food!

Share The Love

Don’t forget about all of the animals out there who need to be fed and cared for. This is a great chance to do something for charity. There are quite a few ways to go about this. You can simply drop off supplies at a local shelter. Or you can also look for shelters in different areas, and help them with their wish lists.  There’s definitely no shortage of wonderful places to look at. Technically, you don’t even have to stick with pets. Rescued wildlife counts, too! 

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Plano, IL animal clinic, today !